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Paris 2024 Olympic Beach Volleyball: The Final Line-Up is Set
The final five spots in both men's and women's beach volleyball tournaments for the Paris 2024 Olympics have been decided, following the conclusion of the Continental Qualifiers. With all 24 slots now filled, the stage is set for the Drawing of Lots, which will take place at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris on June 28, at 17:00 local time (15:00 UTC).
European Qualifiers: Triumph and Drama in Jurmala
In Europe, the qualifiers held in Jurmala, Latvia, from June 13-16, saw French men and Dutch women initially securing spots. French duos Julien Lyneel/Rémi Bassereau and Téo Rotar/Arnaud Gauthier-Rat clinched their tickets by defeating Austria in a dramatic golden set. On the women's side, the Netherlands' Brecht Piersma/Wies Bekhuis and Emi van Driel/Kirster Bröring emerged victorious. However, due to failing to meet the Dutch Olympic Committee's performance requirements, the Netherlands' spot was reallocated to Czechia.
Historic Win for Paraguay in South America
The South American qualifiers brought historic victories. In Asunción, Paraguay, the home teams of Erika Bobadilla/Fiorella Quintana and Michelle Valiente/Giuliana Poletti made history by securing Paraguay's first-ever Olympic qualification in beach volleyball. Meanwhile, in Iquique, Chile, the Grimalt cousins, Marco and Esteban, along with Noé Aravena and Vicente Droguett, ensured their nation's third consecutive Olympic appearance by winning a golden set against Argentina.
Canadian Dominance in NORCECA Qualifiers
The NORCECA Continental Qualifier in Tlaxcala, Mexico, from June 21-23, saw Canadian teams dominate. Sam Schachter and Dan Dearing triumphed over Mexico's Juan Virgen and Ricardo Galindo in straight sets (21-13, 21-13) in the men's final. The women's final also saw Canadian success, with Heather Bansley and Sophie Bukovec defeating Mexico's Atenas Gutiérrez and Susana Torres (21-16, 21-17).
Asian and African Qualifiers: Japan, Australia, Egypt, and Morocco Shine
In Ningbo, China, the Asian qualifiers saw Japan's Miki Ishii/Akiko Hasegawa and Suzuka Hashimoto/Reika Murakami outplaying the host country in the women's final. Australia's Mark Nicolaidis/Izac Carracher and Jack Pearse/Paul Burnett triumphed in the men's event, securing their nation's spot. Over in Morocco, the African qualifiers witnessed Egypt's Doaa Elghobashy and Marwa Abdelhady winning a tight match against Nigeria, while Morocco's Mohamed Abicha and Zouheir Elgraoui secured their second consecutive Olympic berth in the men's category.
"The anticipation is palpable as we await the Drawing of Lots," said an official. "With such a diverse and talented pool of teams, Paris 2024 promises to be a spectacular showcase of beach volleyball."
As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, the excitement builds, and fans around the world eagerly await the thrilling matches that will unfold on the sands of Champ-de-Mars Park.
Editor: Yana Davydiuk
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